Area Development
Japan-based Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. will invest $80 million to expand its operations in Walton County, Georgia, creating 250 new jobs in the region.

In 1996 the facility, formerly Unisia of Georgia Corp., was established in Monroe, Georgia, as a fully owned subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd. The facility employs almost 300 full-time and 75 part-time workers at its current 230,000-square-foot operation, which produces valve timing mechanisms, propeller shafts and power steering systems for a number of automakers.

The expansion will require an additional 290,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its current two buildings. To ensure its workforce will be ready to begin operations the day the new plant opens, the facility will take advantage of the services of Georgia Quick Start, the state’s workforce training program.

“In order to expand our operations, we have to remain competitive with our sister plants around world and other competitors,” said vice president of operations for Hitachi Automotive Systems America Yoshitaka Mizokawa.

“We’ve been able to bring additional business to Georgia because of a strong workforce, and based on our past history, a strong relationship with Walton County and the local community,” said director of finance for Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas Michael Schoon.

“Yet another prominent, innovative international company has made a commitment to grow in Georgia,” said Nathan Deal. “Walton County and its workforce deserve a lot of credit for providing a progressive business-friendly, work-ready environment that invites existing industries to keep investing there.” The Georgia Department of Economic Development collaborated with the Development Authority of Walton County on this expansion.

“This county is most fortunate to be home to Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas,” said executive director of the Development Authority of Walton County Nancy Kinsey. “Since locating to Georgia and Walton County, this company has been a great asset in providing jobs and helping to expand our tax base. They are also most involved in community activities. The company continues to expand, and it is a great corporate citizen.”